How Jordan Alexander Ran a Half Marathon Barefoot (And What It Teaches Us About Foot Health)

In this episode, Joshua Holland sits down with movement coach and athlete Jordan Alexander, who just completed something almost no one attempts: a 21-kilometer half marathon fully barefoot. Jordan shares the mental, physical, and spiritual journey behind this achievement — from God telling him to run it, to training in barefoot shoes, to switching to no shoes at all, to the surprising advantages (and painful sections) of running on grass and modern pavement.If you’ve ever wondered how to start barefoot running, how to transition safely, or how faith, family, and mindset can help you do something you didn’t think was possible, this episode delivers an inspiring and deeply practical roadmap.Featured Product — STEMREGENSTEMREGEN supports your body’s natural stem cell release — essential for recovery, tissue repair, and reducing inflammation. It’s one of Joshua’s most trusted daily supplements for performance, longevity, and healing.Use CODE: JOSH to Save 15% on your entire order.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Jordan ran an entire half marathon fully barefoot — no shoes, no socks — after months of training in barefoot shoes. 2. The transition to barefoot running must be progressive, starting with walking barefoot at home, then grass, then short runs. 3. Running on grass provided recovery and speed boosts, described by Jordan as “Mario Kart power-up moments.” 4. Faith was central to Jordan’s journey, including feeling called to do it before he felt physically ready. 5. Modern shoes weaken natural foot mechanics, while barefoot practice strengthens stability, balance, and long-term mobility.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––TIMESTAMPS00:00 START — Joshua introduces Jordan Alexander00:40 — Jordan reveals his half marathon barefoot accomplishment01:45 — Feeling scared but spiritually led02:34 — Switching from modern shoes to barefoot shoes03:47 — The unexpected marathon invitation04:10 — “No Shoes November” and barefoot training04:55 — Race-day nerves05:33 — The minimalist race kit (shorts, bib, headband — no shoes)06:08 — Captured moment: Jordan praying before the race06:59 — Finding grass on the course and feeling protected07:57 — Running grass vs pavement — “God made a way”08:45 — “This felt like Mario Kart power-ups”09:50 — Hitting the hard pavement sections10:36 — Mile 10: Family encouragement + “God said keep going”11:15 — Calf cramps, pushing through, crossing the finish line11:44 — Nasal breathing the entire race12:51 — Joshua explains why this achievement matters13:19 — Barefoot running vs modern shoes14:20 — Jordan based in Puerto Vallarta14:40 — How Joshua and Jordan originally met18:07 — Why Joshua highlights stories like Jordan’s19:46 — Jordan shows his bruised toes24:24 — Old-school runners give Jordan respect24:49 — Teaching a 17-year-old how to start barefoot safely25:53 — Joshua explains the proper barefoot transition process28:34 — Why shoes were created — and what changed29:50 — Jordan’s year-long transition into barefoot shoes31:16 — How long it actually takes to transition35:04 — Jordan’s background in bodywork and mobility35:34 — Learning to love feet and building stability––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––RESOURCES MENTIONEDVivo Barefoot Shoes — https://www.vivobarefoot.comAnimal Flow — https://animalflow.comSTEMREGEN — https://stemregen.co (Use code JOSH)Joshua Holland Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/iamjoshhollandJoin "Simply Walk The Talk" Discord Communityhttps://discord.gg/HattgC6feb🌐 Connect with Joshua & SWTTPodcast Website: https://www.simplywalkthetalk.comYouTube: @simplywalkthetalkInstagram: @simplywalkthetalkTikTok: @simplywalkthetalkJoshua Holland: https://linktr.ee/joshuajholland